Vacaville Council OKs introduction of entertainment‑zone ordinance to pilot downtown alcohol‑on‑streets program

Vacaville — The City Council on June 9 introduced an ordinance to add Chapter 12.34 to the Vacaville Municipal Code and adopted a resolution that the proposed Main Street Entertainment Zone is exempt from environmental review under CEQA section 15061(b)(3). The measure would allow licensed vendors and event promoters to apply for a special‑event permit to operate an entertainment zone — a defined area where alcohol may be consumed on sidewalks and streets during approved events such as this year’s CreekWalk concert series.

Staff and Council said the program is designed as a one‑year pilot (operations during the 2026 CreekWalk series) that would sunset on Jan. 1, 2027 unless the council approves an extension. The proposal ties operations to a special‑event permit, requires a management plan, general‑liability insurance, perimeter control (fencing, wristbands and signage), and a security and monitoring plan that may include private security or city‑supported staffing on a case‑by‑case basis. Police would retain enforcement authority and businesses failing to comply could be excluded from future zone operations or face civil penalties.

Why this matters: Vacaville is using a new state law (SB 969) that allows cities to create entertainment zones to try to activate downtown businesses and public spaces while managing safety. Staff said the program aims to boost downtown foot traffic and revenues while building in guardrails for public safety and a biennial review process to measure impacts on crime, medical calls and sales volumes.

What council members asked: During a lengthy Q&A, council members pressed staff on how the zones would be policed, who pays for required security, how wristband systems will work, whether town‑square events (already allowed under state law through 2029) are affected, and how boundaries would be drawn. Staff said organizers — not the city — would ordinarily cover private‑security costs, though the city could consider alternatives or partner funding in select cases; organizers must submit an operations plan showing boundaries, wristband protocols and staffing for review.

Public input: The Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District and several downtown merchants spoke during the public hearing. They generally support activation but asked for clarity on fees, boundary management (fencing vs. barricades) and how smaller businesses would be included or shielded from full security costs. A member of the public urged caution about expanded boundaries and impacts on non‑restaurant areas such as Merchant Street.

Vote and next steps: Council voted unanimously in favor of introducing the ordinance and the CEQA exemption; a second reading was scheduled for June 23. If adopted on second reading, staff said the ordinance would take effect 30 days later (targeted July 23). Staff will bring back implementation details, including fee schedules and guidance for event promoters, and a required two‑year review to report on safety and economic impacts.

What to watch for: The city will present the ordinance for second reading June 23. Organizers interested in activating the entertainment zone for CreekWalk or other events will need to file special‑event permit applications detailing boundaries, wristband and monitoring plans and proof of insurance prior to activation.